There is just something about a bookstore that is calming and exciting at the same time – for me anyway. Perhaps it’s because they house books of all kinds that contain adventures, knowledge, and new experiences that only takes a flip of the page to discover.
I’m sure we all have (whether for the books or for the aesthetic) visited all the gorgeous BookXcess bookstores in Klang Valley or beyond. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the BookXcess bookstores, but we can never get enough, right? For the bibliophile and bookworms in Klang Valley, here are 8 more bookstores for you to check out!
1. Lit Books
“Good books light up our world,” that is the reason behind Lit Books’ name and why their mascot is the firefly. Founded by husband-and-wife Min Hun and Elaine who used to be journalists and of course, passionate bibliophiles, Lit Books specialises in English literary titles. You can expect to find books from genres ranging from classics to modern contemporary and even new releases. You can visit their physical store at Tropicana Avenue where you will not only find books but also merchandise with literary themes that you can use in your daily life.
Address: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 1pm – 7pm (Tues – Sat)
2. Junk Book Store
Opened since 1990, Junk Book Store is the epitome of history and vintage, and it is the place to go if you are looking for second-hand books. Located in Bukit Bintang, the bookstore is packed with books (apparently there are over 3 million books in its inventory 😱), so this might not be the best place to bring someone who doesn’t love books as much as you do. They wouldn’t have the patience to wait for you to sift through all the books there. Other than books, comics, and novels, you can also find vinyl records on sale if that’s your jam.
Address: 78, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8:30am – 5pm (Mon – Fri), 8:30am – 2pm (Sat), Closed on Sundays & Public Holiday
3. BUKU by PJ Preloved House
I accidentally came across this unmanned bookstore while I was having lunch in the same building. And whenever I see a bookstore, I must go in even if I end up just browsing. I was very surprised when I saw the information at the door that described how to pay for the books and the fact that there is nobody working in the store. This self-service concept was intriguing, and I personally loved it. The books are priced at either RM5 or RM10 and there is a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction books to choose from. You can also take the books to read outside or in the café next door and return it when you are done.
Address: KEDAI KL, Level 2, MAHSA Avenue Jalan Universiti, Off, Jalan Ilmu, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm (Daily)
4. Citè Book Garden
A well-known bookstore among Mandarin readers, Citè Book Garden houses an extensive selection of books from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China. The bookstore is located within a two-storey unit at Sri Petaling and true to its name, there is a wall of plants to emulate a book garden (which also makes for an Insta-worthy spot). There are plenty of reading nooks throughout the bookstore on the first floor while the second floor is often used as an event space to hold book launches, readings, etc.
Address: 41, Jalan Radin Anum, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am – 7pm (Daily)
5. Monsoon Books
Considered one of the newer additions to the list of independent bookstores in Klang Valley, you can find Monsoon Books hidden above the Wild Sheep Home ice cream store at Section 17. The bookshop has a carefully chosen selection of Chinese literature, as well as a few English titles. The bookstore also comes with a lovely outdoor seating area where you can go to snap some photos and read some books of course.
Address: 1st Floor, 605, Jalan 17/12, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 11am – 8pm (Thurs – Mon), Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
6. Rumah Attap Library & Collective
Founded in 2017 with the aim to become a gathering place to share books and ideas for those interested in cultural studies, the arts, literature, philosophy, and social science. Located in one of the refurbished shophouses in Kampung Attap, you will find a well-lit minimalistic space with a huge bookshelf on one side that holds around 3,000 books. Other than its role as a bookstore, the place is also used to hold various programs such as book readings, cultural talks, and film screenings. In fact, you should keep an eye out on their social media pages where they update on the events that take place there.
Address: 84, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 1pm – 5pm (Sat & Sun)
7. Monalisa Bookstore
A wonderful playground for the curious minds, Monalisa Bookstore also doubles as a charming place for Insta-worthy shots with its award-wining interior design. The bookstore has three floors with an in-store café that serves drinks and cakes for customers to enjoy with their books. The warm atmosphere coupled with modern furnishings make Monalisa Bookstore a welcoming place to chill and hangout. And if you have children, I’m sure they would love the children’s section on the third floor that has a tower of bookshelves called the ‘Tree of Life’.
Address: MY Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil F-8-1 PUSAT PERDAGANGAN Jalan Persiaran Jalil, 1, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10:30am – 8.30pm (Tues – Sun), Closed on Mondays
8. Kedai Fixi
Support local by getting your fix of books from Kedai Fixi – they currently have two outlets, one in Sunway Putra Mall and another in Setia Alam. Opened by local independent publisher, Fixi, the bookstore carries mainly a selection of Malay fiction from their publisher as well as other local publishers such as Dubook Press, Lejen Press and Maple Comics. Other than its Malay literature section, head over to check out its English-language Malaysian novels and Malay translations of current international bestsellers.
Address: L4.41, Level 4, Sunway Putra Mall, No. 100, Jalan Putra, 50350 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (Daily)
Address (2nd branch): 34-GF, Jalan Setia Perdana BE U13/BE, Setia Alam
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (Mon-Fri)
Bonus: Eslite Bookstore
Another bookstore we can look forward to and which should open by this year is the Eslite Bookstore that hails from Taiwan. I’m sure a lot of bibliophiles and booklovers are just waiting (impatiently) to step foot inside the renowned bookstore. Having been named ‘The World’s Coolest Bookstore’ by CNN, it’s going to be exciting when they finally open their doors at The Starhill!
Address: The Starhill, 181, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
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